The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1887-04-15
THE DYING GIRL
BY MM. NJ. A. pENNIsoN.

there any certainty that shall ever recov-
er? think not SO you sec am pre-
pared for i'll tidings, and am continually
tormenting myself with the question. Will
you not be candid with Inc, dear DR.. Ellis2,
while there is life, commenced the
Doctor, but the frail young creature inter
rupted him, saying:
No, no, doctor, that won't do; 1 must
have your professional opinion and when
I say that my aoul,, happiness ior the rem
nant of this life will be affected by your
decision, sure you will grant me this re-
quest
But could you bear
Anything, Doctor, but this suspense.
am willing to be told tho exact state of
the case for, you see, some days I feel SO
really we'll, that my hope is unduly excited,
and again, when the slsepless hours and
terrible pains come, death takes an awful
shape, and frightens me out of repose.
But if was certain'-she spoke with So
lemnity-'I would teach my mind to dwell
upon it in such way that my foolish fears
would leave me-
'My sweet girl, said the doctor, taking
her wasted hand, 4 will grant this request
You cannot certainly recover, unless some
extraordinary providence occurs. Your life
may be protracted some months yet, but not
over year at the farthest; So it seems to
me-
The pale cheek grew a shade paler, bu.
the smile faded not on tho gntle lips.
Thank you doctor, was her reply, thank
you for your trust and confidence in me.
You shall see will not abuse them
The beautiful consumptive sat alone in
her large easy chair some moments after
the doctor was gone. She gazcd about her
on luxuries which wealth uubounded had
procured for her pleasure, asd the large
untroubled eye grew dim.
Then I must die = she said to herself
and oh, this fear, not of any hereafter, bu.
Of that droad passing through the valley
which shadows my hours Of suffering?
Even my religion does not dissipate tha.
shrinking, shuddering fear. The impres.
sion of my childhood will not 60 away, bu.
return with new force Aud as sho thus
half whispered to herself, lonely matron
entered, and hurryiug to her side, kissed
her fair brow.
you are bettea to-day. child she said
in tones Of forced calmness may. dont
shake your head so mournfully indeed, if
you knsw how much improved you appear,
aud she drew low seat towards the Young
girl and sat gazing in her eyes with the
holy love of maternity.
Mother said sho oonsumptive, as she
took the matron's hand in her own, there
is something want you to do for mo-
what Is it, darling? You know would
lay down my life for you
For an instant the pale lips quiversd :;
but commanding herself, tho young girl
replied gently
Il want you to talk TO me of death of
my own death, which is certain soon.'
MY Amy! was all the mother could
articulate her voice seemed frozen by hor.
ror.
yes, mother: for listen q moment, it
will make your poor sick child more will
ling to leave earth and fad heaven. If YOU
will talk daily and chcorfully of my pas
sing away if: you will surround the thought
with oheerfulness, and make the struggle
seem pleasant to mc, this strange horror
with which I regard it would fade awav
and my mind bo drawn moro wholly to the
better land. 1t may bo a sacrifice to Won
mother, but I shall learn to look forward 70
my death-bed with oalmness, which I now
strive in vain to do. Will you try to do
this, mother2 Will you talk Of it often ?
Will you repeat the sweet word, tba,
dying saints have spoken Will you sneak
OF the smiles that repose upon their faoe,
until can think cheerfully, and talk with.
out reserve of that change, oven as I would
ho down and put my garments by, ready
to attire myself when should awake IN ,bs
fair morning? Will you tell those vbo
call to sec mo, never to shrink from ,neok
ing to me Of death ? Will you do this
mother?'
Inc matron promised, and retired 10 bor
chamber to shed the tears of anguish born
u TINS request. She, too, had long felt
That her child must die, but afar of .,be
Evil day. And in the strength of God she
performed her duty.
Seven months had passed. and ,,;,, .